Residents across the Stroud district are being encouraged to take part in a public consultation on the future of six Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and promote responsible dog ownership.
Stroud District Council is seeking feedback before deciding whether to extend the existing PSPOs for a further three years. The current orders, which were last extended in 2023, are due to expire on 18 October 2026. No changes to the existing measures are proposed.
The consultation covers a range of measures, including a ban on drinking alcohol in designated streets within Stroud and Dursley town centres, as well as orders relating to dog fouling, dog control and the exclusion of dogs from certain public spaces.
Under the dog control PSPOs, owners are required to:
- Pick up dog faeces.
- Place dogs on leads when directed to do so by an authorised officer.
- Keep dogs out of designated exclusion areas, including children’s play areas.
- Keep dogs on leads in designated locations such as allotments, cemeteries, car parks, canal towpaths, designated cycle tracks and specified footpaths leading to schools and colleges. Assistance dogs are exempt from these restrictions.
Public Spaces Protection Orders are used to address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those using public spaces. Failure to comply with a PSPO is a criminal offence and may result in a Fixed Penalty Notice or prosecution.
Environment Committee Chair Martin Pearcy said: “Anyone, dog owners and non-dog owners who have an opinion of these issues are encouraged to respond and feed into the consultation.”
Community Services and Licensing Committee Chair Martin Brown added: “We would also like to hear from Dursley and Stroud town centre residents, traders and visitors on the street drinking ban. These are important issues which affect people’s everyday lives, so we want you to have a say on these PSPOs which are in place to protect our communities.”
The consultation closes on 2 August 2026.
Residents can find further information and complete the consultation survey on the Stroud District Council website.
